Pop some style into your kitchen with a custom backsplash. Here is a collection of unique backsplash ideas along with preparation tips. Create a backsplash that won’t break your budget but will likely make your kitchen the envy of everyone who sees it.
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When we purchased our first home last summer, I couldn’t wait to get my hands dirty with a few projects. And by that I mean renovating the entire house. I managed to complete all of it DIY-style and on a budget!
Allow me to back up a bit: We bought a fixer-upper with the intention that we’d live in it for a couple of years, fix it up, and use it as a source of rental income in the future. We updated with durable materials that we would love to live with but that would also hold up against rental wear and tear.
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Even the nicest faucets wear out in time. Give your bathroom a new look by simply changing out your sink hardware. The choices are almost limitless and the task is simple. It will take you less than an hour or two in most cases, and you’ll be amazed at how such a simple thing changes the look and feel of your bathroom.
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People can learn something important from squirrels: When it comes to bad weather, prepare for it early and prepare for it well. Preparing for cold weather or power outages is one thing, but is your home hurricane-ready?
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With even the simplest rain barrel, you can harvest water while conserving natural resources, making rain barrels a smart choice both financially and environmentally. Here are the basics on choosing and using your new rain barrel.
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If left unrepaired, water damage will continue to worsen, leading to greater problems. Learn what you need to know about water-damaged home interiors and how to tackle the situation appropriately.
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Ceiling fans aren’t merely decorative – they help increase your home’s energy efficiency in both cold and warm weather. Set the fan to spin counterclockwise in summer (pulling hotter air up to the ceiling) and clockwise in winter (pushing warmer air down to the floor level). The result: You feel more comfortable and can heat – or cool – your house a little less.
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When my family moved into our first house last year, there were countless projects we had to plan: installing new appliances, replacing the front door threshold, and redoing the floors were just a few. The thought of doing these things without the help of a 24-hour maintenance man scared me to death, but that’s something you sacrifice when you become a homeowner.
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Even the nicest, most modern cabinets become outdated with time. With a little do-it-yourself knowledge and the proper tools and preparation, you can simply reface your cabinets rather than replacing them.
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Robert Wagner pitches reverse lending on TV, but are these loans as shady as the fate of his former wife, Natalie Woods, or a smart financial move that will have you living like a star? Reverse mortgages have been attracting an increasing amount of interest from homeowners in the last couple of years, but it’s time to investigate and have a real “Hart-to-Hart” about their pros and cons.
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Whether or not you own the nicest home on the block, when it comes time to refinance or sell it, getting a high house appraisal is crucial. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to assure that you receive credit for all the ways you think your house is worth maximum dollars.
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“How much house can I afford?” When many people ask that question, what they are really asking is, “How much money will somebody lend me?” They sound similar at first blush, but they are actually two different questions. The first is a matter of individual circumstances – and chances are you already have a pretty good feel as to what you can shell out per month in housing costs.
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You may notice on your next trip to Vegas that the complexion of our city is changing and becoming ever more diverse. Las Vegas real estate is getting worldwide attention, bringing buyers from far-flung reaches of the globe. In fact, a recent story in the Montreal Gazette tells its readers they can get
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Most appraisers have stories of homeowners irate over the fact that the special remodeling job they performed added zero value to their home. The imported Italian tile you used in your entryway or the pool in the backyard may be of immense value to you while you live in the home, but unfortunately they aren’t items that buyers shopping in your neighborhood value.
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One way or another, Uncle Sam is going to get his cut. Count on it. And so will your state and local governments. That said, there are certain things you can do as a real estate investor to help manage your tax bill, and maximize your after-tax return on your investment.
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The Jersey Shore has been a favorite vacation spot for generations of families from the Philadelphia, New York and the Washington D.C. region. Many own a second home there, which they rent out in the summer at eye-popping prices. But, the Jersey Shore real estate market hasn’t been immune to the economic downturn.
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New to real estate investing? A rank beginner? Greener than the Shamrock shore? You came to the right place. This column is your launch pad. But my plan is to help provide you with a solid foundation of real estate investment knowledge that you will carry with you for years, through many successful investments.
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Every industry has its “inside” jargon, and the real estate industry is no exception. Some of the lingo, such as “location, location, location,” is a snap to decipher, while other real estate terminology can be downright incomprehensible. Real estate agents sometimes have a tendency to roll this stuff off their tongues,
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